Who is affected by Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is the leading cause of decline in mental abilities (dementia). It is estimated that 8% of Canadians older than 65 have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.1 Of dementia diagnosed in Canada, approximately 60% is caused by Alzheimer's.2
A study done in 1991 estimated that there were 161,000 Canadians with Alzheimer's disease. It is expected that by 2031 more than 500,000 Canadians will have the condition.2
Alzheimer's usually affects aging adults. The disease is uncommon in people younger than 65 and is rare before the age of 45. Close to half of the people with the disease are between the ages of 75 and 85.
A rare, inherited form of the disease may affect some people as early as their 40s. This is called autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease or early-onset Alzheimer's.
| Author: | Douglas Dana Sabra L. Katz-Wise Ralph Poore | Last Updated: January 26, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine Peter J. Whitehouse, MD - Neurology | |
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